Scott Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Day

Today (Dec. 7) is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that propelled the U.S. into World War II.

TAMPA BAY – In honor of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags to fly at half-staff, effective from sunrise to sunset.

We have also included photos of the USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor and photos from that day, which then-President Franklin Roosevelt declared as “a date which shall live in infamy.” We are also printing Scott’s declaration in full:

NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY; DECEMBER 7, 2016

WHEREAS, on the morning of December 7, 1941,the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,was attacked by naval forces of the Japanese Empire; and

WHEREAS, over 2,400 American lives were lost in the devastating attack,and a major portion of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet was destroyed; and

WHEREAS, the attack on Pearl Harbor and six other military bases on the Hawaiian island of Oahu precipitated America’s entry into World War II; and

WHEREAS, the stories of bravery and selflessness surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor instilla greater understanding and appreciation for the sacrifice of the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II; and

WHEREAS, December 7,2016,marks the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; and

WHEREAS, this 75th anniversary marks a time for communities, individuals, and organizations to gather across our nation and throughout the State of Florida to perform acts of charity,to pray, and to support one another as we honor and remember those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941; and

WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

NOW, THEREFORE , I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida, from sunrise to sunset, on Wednesday , December 7, 2016. In addition, I encourage all people of our great state to observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to remember and honor those who died in defense of our freedom on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor.